Effects of creatine supplementation on body composition, strength, and sprint performance.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of 28 d of creatine supplementation during training on body composition, strength, sprint performance, and hematological profiles.


METHODS
In a double-blind and randomized manner, 25 NCAA division IA football players were matched-paired and assigned to supplement their diet for 28 d during resistance/agility training (8 h x wk[-1]) with a Phosphagen HP (Experimental and Applied Sciences, Golden, CO) placebo (P) containing 99 g x d(-1) of glucose, 3 g x d(-1) of taurine, 1.1 g x d(-1) of disodium phosphate, and 1.2 g x d(-1) of potassium phosphate (P) or Phosphagen HP containing the P with 15.75 g x d(-1) of HPCE pure creatine monohydrate (HP). Before and after supplementation, fasting blood samples were obtained; total body weight, total body water, and body composition were determined; subjects performed a maximal repetition test on the isotonic bench press, squat, and power clean; and subjects performed a cycle ergometer sprint test (12 x 6-s sprints with 30-s rest recovery).


RESULTS
Hematological parameters remained within normal clinical limits for active individuals with no side effects reported. Total body weight significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the HP group (P 0.85 +/- 2.2; HP 2.42 +/- 1.4 kg) while no differences were observed in the percentage of total body water. DEXA scanned body mass (P 0.77 +/- 1.8; HP 2.22 +/- 1.5 kg) and fat/bone-free mass (P 1.33 +/- 1.1; HP 2.43 +/- 1.4 kg) were significantly increased in the HP group. Gains in bench press lifting volume (P -5 +/- 134; HP 225 +/- 246 kg), the sum of bench press, squat, and power clean lifting volume (P 1,105 +/- 429; HP 1,558 +/- 645 kg), and total work performed during the first five 6-s sprints was significantly greater in the HP group.


CONCLUSIONS
The addition of creatine to the glucose/taurine/electrolyte supplement promoted greater gains in fat/bone-free mass, isotonic lifting volume, and sprint performance during intense resistance/agility training.
Kreider
R B
RB
Department of Human Movement Sciences & Education, The University of Memphis, TN 38152, USA. kreider.richard@coe.memphis.edu
Ferreira
M
M
Wilson
M
M
Grindstaff
P
P
Plisk
S
S
Reinardy
J
J
Cantler
E
E
Almada
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003401:Creatine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness; D014891:Weight Lifting
D003401:Creatine